Germany, Ukraine to Jointly Produce Long-Range Drones in Expanded Defense Partnership

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said during a surprise visit to Kyiv that Berlin and Kyiv are developing joint drone projects, from short-range systems to long-range models capable of flying up to 1,500 kilometers. Germany also plans to deepen defense industry cooperation and join Ukraine’s Brave1 military innovation platform. Make us preferred on Google Flip Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Germany's Defence Minister Boris Pistorius reacts during a joint press conference with Ukraine's Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov (unseen) in Kyiv on May 11, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Tetiana DZHAFAROVA / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Germany and Ukraine are planning to deepen defense cooperation by jointly developing and producing drones, including long-range systems capable of flying up to 1,500 kilometers (932 miles), German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said during a visit to Ukraine. According to local media Suspilne , Pistorius said Berlin intends to expand support for Ukraine’s defense industry and strengthen cooperation in unmanned technologies as both countries seek to advance military innovation amid Russia’s ongoing invasion. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . According to Pistorius, German and Ukrainian companies are already working on joint projects involving drones with different operational ranges. These include systems with a range of less than 100 kilometers (62 miles) and long-range unmanned platforms capable of reaching targets up to 1,500 kilometers away. Pistorius said the development of long-range drones is becoming increasingly important for countering Russian attacks on Ukraine’s military infrastructure. He added that the large-scale use of such systems could help suppress and destroy Russian air defense systems. Germany is also interested in learning from Ukraine’s battlefield experience and modern warfare practices, including Ukrainian combat management systems known as DELTA and operational experience gained during the war, the minister said. Berlin also plans to join Brave1, Ukraine’s defense innovation cluster that supports military technology developers and allows new systems to be tested in combat conditions. Other Topics of Interest Pistorius Makes Unannounced Visit to Kyiv for Defense Production Talks German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv on Monday for talks on joint weapons production and expanded defense cooperation. Discussions are expected to focus on new drone projects, German-Ukrainian defense ventures, and support for Ukraine’s military tech sector through the Brave One platform. Pistorius said Germany would continue supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion while further developing the strategic defense partnership between the two countries. Pistorius arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit on Monday to discuss expanding defense-industrial cooperation and joint weapons production with Ukraine The trip was kept secret in advance for security reasons. Speaking upon the arrival, Pistorius said Berlin and Kyiv are preparing new joint arms development projects, including advanced drone systems of varying ranges, some capable of striking deep behind enemy lines. Germany is also seeking to establish additional joint defense ventures with Ukraine and deepen cooperation with Ukrainian weapons manufacturers, Pistorius said. In April, Kyiv and Berlin signed a €4 billion ($4.7 billion) defense deal that includes Patriot air defense missiles, drone production and long-range weapons development. Under the deal, Germany will provide 36 IRIS-T launchers to enhance Ukraine’s multi-layered air defense system and fund the production of PAC-2 Patriot air defense missiles inside Germany, with delivery expected between 2027-29. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.